Derivation of a Protein Risk Score for Cardiovascular Disease Among a Multiracial and Multiethnic HIV+ Cohort

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers and Diagnostics
• Cardiovascular Health
• HIV Research

Background:

• Existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models inadequately assess risk in people living with HIV (PLWH).
• There is a critical need for improved CVD risk stratification in the PLWH population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel risk score utilizing protein biomarkers for predicting CVD in PLWH.
• To enhance the accuracy of CVD risk assessment in individuals living with HIV.

Main Methods:

• A matched case-control study analyzed protein expression data from participants in INSIGHT trials.
• Dimension reduction, variable selection, and multivariable logistic regression identified candidate protein biomarkers.
• A protein score was generated and internally validated using bootstrap methods.

Main Results:

• A protein score derived from 8 proteins, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and interleukin-6, was associated with increased CVD risk (OR: 2.17).
• The protein score demonstrated superior CVD prediction compared to individual protein biomarkers.
• Individuals with protein scores above the median were over 3 times more likely to develop CVD (OR: 3.10).

Conclusions:

• A panel of blood protein biomarkers can identify people living with HIV at high risk for CVD.
• This validated score could complement existing factors for targeted CVD risk reduction in PLWH.
• The findings may offer insights into the pathogenesis of CVD in the PLWH population.